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She could also stay in the rooeant had booked for her, but he didn’t want her to feel under any kind of ation

‘I haven’t changed aze she shot him was both loaded with promise and a little nervous ‘I just expected the drive to feel a little aard’

So had he

As the Corporal opened the back door, they both climbed out of the vehicle

‘Do I re a lot of floats, or did I drea lad politely

‘It’s Summer Festival time, ma’am,’ the Corporal offered ‘Towns up and down the island celebrate in different ways There’s a parade with floats and live ht’

‘Really? It all looked beautiful’ She nodded ‘I’ve never been to a festival’

‘Never, Major?’ Ash asked curiously, the suddenly pained expression in her eyes twisting at his gut, helping him to compartmentalise his oorries

Already he was feeling ht hours

‘No’ She shrugged lightly, swiftly covering the moment

He ht tell hi questions

Wordlessly, Ash reached for the rucksacks, passing Fliss hers as he hoisted his own onto his shoulder before thanking the young NCO and wishing hi ahead into the cool hotel lobby to begin check-in He couldn’t even stop to see if Fliss was acco him In uniform, and with the Corporal around, there was no place for chivalry

Moreet the other receptionist at the far end of the four-eant had made back at the airport base

‘I’ht toue,’ Ash heard the clerk saying

‘It’s fine; don’t worry’ Fliss’s soothing set the early evening flight’